We make Wesleyan PERSONAL in so many ways. Often, this is accomplished through connections with our admissions team in the early part of the recruitment process. These connections develop more profoundly into the family and community atmosphere that many of our students positively acknowledge. This atmosphere is the number one reason students choose Wesleyan and stay at Wesleyan. Those close connections, research opportunities, and the ability to be active in our community, support our mission, vision, and core values.
Prospective adult students can find their NC Wesleyan University admission counselors by clicking on one of the tabs below. These individuals will serve as your primary point of contact with the Office of Admission.
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- Greenville APS Admissions & Advising
- Rocky Mount APS Admissions & Advising
- Wilmington APS Admissions & Advising
- Raleigh/Durham APS Admissions & Advising
- Winston-Salem APS Admissions & Advising
- New Bern APS Admissions & Advising
- Brunswick APS Admissions & Advising
- Manteo APS Admissions & Advising
- Goldsboro APS Admissions & Advising
- Washington APS Admissions & Advising
- APS Administration
- Graduate Program Admissions & Advising


Christine Clift
o: 252.493.7451
c: 252.375.9766
f: 252.822.0055
Click to book a virtual appointment
Greenville, New Bern, Washington & Manteo Campuses
North Carolina Counties: Beaufort, Camden, Carteret, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Jones, Martin, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Washington
More Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
My dad was in the military so I was born in Iowa, and we settled in Pitt County when he retired and I was 8 years old. From then I grew up in the Bethel area but I now live near Ayden, NC.
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
I needed a change from my previous career and this was a perfect fit for me. I wanted to do what my advisor had done for me while I was a student.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
Pitt Community College, AAS in Paralegal Technology, class of 1985
North Carolina Wesleyan College, BA Justice Studies, BA Psychology, class of 1997
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
I like exploring different breweries and tasting different foods. And of course, the beach.
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
I would say keep in touch with your advisor and keep the line of communication open. We have your best interests at heart and want to see you succeed in education and life.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
Though you will not be on the main campus much as an Adult and Professional Studies Student, visit the campus. It’s beautiful and I believe can help you envision completing your education with NCWU. Also, if possible, meet your advisor in person. Get to know your team. They are part of your support system and want to help. Don’t give up.
Any other interesting fact about yourself………
that’s tough…. I’m a mother of 6 and grandmother of 6
Anything else that you think a prospective student would like to know about coming to NCWU.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The only way to reach your goal is to reach out t others who can help and let them.


Doretha Chichester
p: 252.985.5137
Rocky Mount Campus
North Carolina Counties (last name ending in M-Z): Bertie, Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Nash, North-Hampton, Wilson
North Carolina Counties (last name ending in M-Z): Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Bertie, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey
Teacher Education Program Admissions Counselor
More Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
Hollister, NC
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
I was moving back to NC from Richmond VA. NCWU was very close to my house and I knew that serving people was one of my callings. So here I am still serving for over 22 years.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
I attended Aurelian Springs School, Eastman High and also attended some evening classes here at Wesleyan for Business.
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
Playing my piano singing and dining out. I love Italian food, but my favorite is Captain Georges at Virginia Beach.
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Once you have some clarity about what you want to do in life your goals should be easier to accomplish.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions, because we are here to serve and not be served. Never underestimate your abilities for we all have different learning styles.
Any other interesting fact about yourself……….
I have a deep compassion for all student’s approaches and are dedicated to helping them find ways to achieve their goals.
Anything else that you think a prospective student would like to know about coming to NCWU.
NCWU is a small university on a close nit campus.




Jennifer Phipps
p: 252.985.5187
Schedule a Virtual Appointment >
More Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
A small town in Western NY
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
I had worked in higher education at a private university in NY & when I relocated to NC I found myself drawn to NC Wesleyan due to the similarities in the position I had previously held.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
Kaplan University, Master of Science in Criminal Justice/ Law
Alfred University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Economics minor, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
Going to the beach and walking the shoreline looking for sea shells.
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Communicate with your adviser and professors if you have questions and/or concerns as they are not mind readers and are willing to help you if asked.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
Stay in contact and be sure we have your contact information for follow-up.
Any other interesting fact about yourself...
I love my dogs.


Joy Smallwood
c: 252.955.5971 (main)
p: 252.940.6386 (Washington Office)
f: 252.822.0055
Book time to meet with me
Support for:
Greenville, New Bern, Washington, Wilmington & Manteo Campuses




Alana Sykes
Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
Enfield, NC
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
After losing my job to a devastating fire I was on the search for the next opportunity. While searching for a job, I also knew that I wanted to make a change in the type of job that I was looking for. My instincts led me back to the Wesleyan website where I was surprised to find that they were hiring, so I applied. I chose to work at Wesleyan because it has fulfilled my quest for a career change and changed the trajectory of my future.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
North Carolina Wesleyan University class of 2018. BA in Psychology and BA in Criminal Justice.
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
I love to eat, so I would consider myself a local foodie. If I hear about a restaurant that I have not tried and it has good reviews, then I will make plans to try it.
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Stay focused and know that there are great opportunities at the end of your journey.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
If you are thinking about applying, then call and speak to a counselor and request more information in the program that interest you. Have that conversation with the counselor and see if that program is the right fit for your academic endeavor.
Any other interesting fact about yourself?
I really like to watch and read anything about criminal procedures.
Anything else that you think a prospective student would like to know about coming to NCWU.
North Carolina Wesleyan gives everyone that personal touch. Students will have the knowledge that we will be here for them from inquiry to graduation.


Joe Allen
p: 252.955.3688
> Book a virtual appointment
Goldsboro & Wilmington Campus
North Carolina Counties: Anson, Bladen, Brunswick, Chatham, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Lenoir, Mecklenburg, Moore, New Hanover, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Union, Wayne
See map and legend for details.
More Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
I was born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee– a city 30 miles away from Nashville.
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I decided to pursue a master’s degree at North Carolina Wesleyan University, and the interactions with my professors and classmates made me appreciate what a college experience is supposed to feel like. The reason I decided this job was a good fit for me is having the ability to help students take advantage of the opportunity to have an irreplaceable college experience for themselves. I believe North Carolina Wesleyan University can provide that opportunity and I believe I can genuinely speak to that through my experiences here.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned:
The University of Tennessee at Martin, 2018
Barton College, 2020
The University of Texas Permian Basin, B.S. in Marketing, 2022
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
My favorite thing to do in eastern North Carolina is to fish. Inland, on-shore, and off-shore fishing are things I try to make time for as much as I can… but catfishing is good for the soul
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Challenge yourself. Take advantage of the time that you have to build relationships that will last. Study hard, but make sure you take time to take care of yourself as you grow into the person you are striving to be daily.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
To our future Bishops, get to campus and come and see what’s going on here! A countless number of great people would love to get to know you and be a part of your story here at NCWU. Get to know the stories of the people around you and let us get to know yours. From food to sports and on-campus clubs/activities, we are certain there are outlets here for you to explore and be yourself.
Another interesting fact about me.
My favorite color is blood orange– the darkest color orange in the sunset. Of all the places I’ve been, I’ve never seen sunsets like in eastern North Carolina.




Bianca Pacini-Perez
DESIGNATED SCHOOL OFFICIAL & INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE ADVISOR
> Click here to book a virtual meeting
Executive Graduate Residency Program
Learn more about our 19-20 month, interactive programs that allow students to work while attending hybrid (online/in person) classes. As an F1-Visa Qualified STEM Program, international students can continue their education in the U.S. and pursue a master’s degree with one concentrated residency weekend each semester here on our campus in beautiful eastern NC. Apply today and take the first step towards elevating your career!
Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
I was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador to Argentinean parents. I was raised in Mission Viejo, California, then moved to Wilmington, North Carolina 15 years ago.
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
I love the attention each student can get at NCWU, I attended larger institutions where students could get lost in the mix that does not seem to happen here.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
I have a Bachelors in Political Science and International Relations from UNCW and an MPA from UNCP.
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Make connections, be intentional with your time, put away your phone during study time, make time for experiences.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
If you have any questions ask sooner rather than later, respond to your admission coordinator in a timely manner to avoid any hiccups.
Anything else that you think a prospective student would like to know about coming to NCWU?
How close knit the university seems to be, this is a place that can feel like home away from home.


Phylicia Thomas
p: 252.985.5311
Rocky Mount Campus
North Carolina Counties (last name ending in A-L): Bertie, Chowan, Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Nash, North-Hampton, Wilson
North Carolina Counties (last name ending in A-L): Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Bertie, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey
See map and legend for details.
More About Me
Phylicia is an alumni of the Adult & Professional Studies undergraduate program at NCWU and pursuing her MBA. Phylicia is from Whitakers, NC and is an avid sports fan. Fun fact about Phylicia, she plays the saxophone (alto & baritone). When asked why she chose to work at Wesleyan, she stated “NCWU feels like home. As a student, every time I come to the campus, I feel a sense of belonging. I now enjoy the same feeling working here! My mom also attended NCWU. For me, it was my sign.”


Nicole Mills
p: 252.985.5329
> Book a virtual appointment
Rocky Mount Campus
More Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
I am from Greenville, N.C.
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
I feel like I can make a positive difference in the lives of students here.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned:
I attended Mount Olive University.
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
I like to attend various small town local restaurants.
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
My tips are to be nice, open minded, and helpful to each other.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
Make sure you follow deadlines.
Another interesting fact about me.
I am a dog lover.


Francisco Rodriguez


Jan Marcus
Executive Graduate Residency Program
Learn more about our 19-20 month, interactive programs that allow students to work while attending hybrid (online/in person) classes. As an F1-Visa Qualified STEM Program, international students can continue their education in the U.S. and pursue a master’s degree with one concentrated residency weekend each semester here on our campus in beautiful eastern NC. Apply today and take the first step towards elevating your career!
What’s your Hometown?
Pittsburgh, PA. I’m a huge Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan but might have to cheer for the Hurricanes!
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
The job was exactly what I wanted, I loved the small campus, and the people I met during the interview were awesome.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
University of Pittsburgh – BA, Journalism, Florida State University
MS, Educational Leadership with a focus on Athletic Administration
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
The beach!
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Stay on top of your classwork. Get to know your professors. Attend events and get involved.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
Enjoy the process. Visit the school, talk with students, professors and staff. Ask questions.
Another interesting fact about me.
I’ve been an Official Scorer for a minor league baseball team and Lead Statistician for a Division II football team. Getting paid to watch sports is pretty cool!


Claudia Bryant
CLICK HERE to schedule a virtual appointment
Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
Roanoke Rapids, but I’ve lived in Nashville and Raleigh as well. Now I’m in Asheville.
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
Growing up so close to the campus, I always knew about it. Then I met Dawn Turner at a recent conference for international educators. I was looking to get back into an academic setting after having to be away for a number of years. Dawn let me know about the opening in APS.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
- BA in Political Science and Sociology, UNC-Asheville
- Masters in Political Science, Appalachian State University
- Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- All of my advanced degrees are in political science
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
ACC basketball season/watching any traditional “Tobacco Road” rivalry game. Go Heels and Blue Devils! (Yes, I am North Carolina born and bred, but somehow I ended up loving both Carolina AND Duke simultaneously.)
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
Get to know the staff and faculty and let them get to know you. That’s critical for the success of so many students, and personally, I think it’s one of the greatest advantages of going to a smaller school. I never would have made it though college without having done that. But finding my niche, finding those people who always believed in me and were there to support me through the challenging times, that led the way to everything that’s come since college.
What’s your Tip(s) for applicants?
I absolutely believe in exploring your personality type and trying to find career opportunities that mesh with your profile. But don’t underestimate the importance of discovering, through for example general education requirements as an undergrad in a college setting, subjects that you never realized you might love. They can sometimes become your passion and lead to outstanding career options.
Any other interesting fact about yourself?
I shifted gears after about 2 decades of teaching political science (primarily American politics focused courses) and got interested in international education. That experience has enabled me to establish friendships with people and to travel to places all over the world—mostly Central and Western Europe, and Asia. I’m conversant in French and speak some Czech and some Korean as well.
Anything else that you think a prospective student would like to know about coming to NCWU.
It’s amazing what a springboard a great undergraduate experience can be for people. And for adult learners, it’s never too late to pursue advanced degrees. Some of the most amazing learning opportunities I’ve ever been a part of occurred during graduate courses I was teaching. It can be amazing to see students from different backgrounds engage in conversations with their classmates, present viewpoints that others had never considered, and through that process expand each other’s worldviews.


Katherine Edwards
CLICK HERE to schedule a virtual appointment
Katherine Edwards is an Academic Advisor in the Adult and Professional Studies Department. After graduating from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Psychology and Religious and Ethical Studies, Katherine attended Duke University's Divinity School for her masters' degree. At Duke Divinity School, she worked in the Office of Academic Programming where she gained valuable experience in supporting the educational journeys of students of all ages. Katherine is passionate about encouraging students that they can complete their degree, no matter if they have zero college credits, some college experience, or an assortment of credits from a variety of institutions; they can do it, and she is ready to help! Katherine is originally from Rocky Mount, North Carolina. As a teenager, she loved attending summer camps such as the Shelton Leadership Challenge and Connect at North Carolina Wesleyan University, and now, she is excited to return to Wesleyan as a staff member!
When off the clock, Katherine enjoys kayaking, hiking, and reading. One of her goals is to visit every state park in North Carolina.
Facts About Me!
What’s your Hometown?
Rocky Mount, NC
Why did you choose to work at NCWU?
Coming from Rocky Mount, I have fond many memories of NCWU! I loved participating in summer camps such as the Shelton Leadership Challenge and Connect program. The kind faculty and staff along with the welcoming culture of Wesleyan left a strong impact on me, and when I saw an opportunity to work at Wesleyan after I graduated, I was eager to return! Now, I'm excited to work with students of all ages as they work towards completing their degree.
What School(s) did you attend and degree(s) earned?
I attended Meredith College for my undergraduate degree and received a Bachelor of Arts. I loved learning, especially at a liberal arts school, so I double majored in Psychology and Religious and Ethical Studies and minored in History. After that, I attended Duke University's Divinity School where I received a Master of Theological Studies degree with a focus in the New Testament.
What’s your Favorite eastern NC activity?
I love kayaking down the Tar River! I've seen beavers, river otters, deer, and many types of fish. There are lots of kayak launching stations in Rocky Mount down the Tar River!
What’s your Tip(s) for incoming students?
It's very easy to get overwhelmed at the start by all the new technology, course formats, and coursework that college brings. My best tip for incoming students is to remind yourself when you get overwhelmed why you are pursuing a degree and to remember that you can do it! Try to take in the information in reasonable chunks rather than focusing on everything that confuses/worries/frustrates you.
Any other interesting fact about yourself?
I can read four different languages: English, Koine Greek, Classical Latin, and Biblical Hebrew!
Connect with an Adult Studies Admissions Counselor Today!
Counselors are assigned a territory within the state of NC.
See the map below to connect with your personal counselor based on the county.
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![]() Doretha Chichester (last name ending in M-Z) |
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